1 .

Welfare Requirement
• Drinking water
• Sanitary conveniences
• Washing facilities
• Changing rooms
• Accommodation for clothing
• Rest facilities and eating facilities
Work environment
• Seating
• Adequate Ventilation
• Adequate lighting
• Space
• Controls to reduce noise may be needed

Work-related Violence:

• Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances

relating to their work

2.Identify TWO types of injury that may be caused by the incorrect manual handling.
1) Prolapsed or slipped discs.
2) Torn ligaments.
3) Muscular strains.
4) Hernias.
5) Cuts & abrasions.
6)
3.Outline a good handling technique that could be adopted by a person required to lift
a load from ground.
1) Placing the feet slightly apart & close to the load.
2) Bending at the knees.
3) Keeping the back straight ( or maintaining a natural curvature).
4) Maintaining a good grip.
5) Keeping the load close to the body without twisting and lifting smoothly using leg
muscles.
6) Initial assessment of the load and lift prior to undertaking the task.

4. State shape & colours with example.

1) Prohibition Signs: White background within a red circle and with a diagonal red line.
E.g. “No Smoking”.
2) Warning Sign: Yellow background within a black triangle. E.g. Flammable material,
radiation & electricity.
3) Mandatory sign: Round signs with blue background used to designate compulsory use.
E.g. Hearing / head protection / fire door close.
4) Emergency exit or first aid: Rectangular or square with a green background. E.g.
Emergency escape sign (Running Man).

5. with reference to methods of heat transfer explain how fire in workplace may
spread.
1) Conduction: Heat can be transferred through metal beam or other parts of a structure
by conduction.
2) Convection: Heat can be carried by rising air currents (convection) to cause a build-up
of hot gases under ceiling.
3) Radiation: Heat can be transferred through the air by radiation causing heating of a
material at a distance from fire.
4) Direct burning: Combustible material in direct contact with flames can itself catch
fire.

5.Explain why water should not be used on fires involving electrical equipment &
identify two suitable extinguishing agents that could be used in such circumstances.
Water is a good conductor of electricity, it leads to electric shock.
NEBOSH Question Bank Page 1 of 12
1) Dry chemical powder fire extinguisher.
2) Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.

6. Outline the issues to consider when considering Manual handling assessment of

task that involves lifting bucket of water out of a sink.

Main elements: Task, Individual, Load, & Environment.

1) Frequency of activity.
2) Vertical & horizontal distances to be lifted / transported.
3) Distance of the load from the body.
4) Awkward body movements & soon.
5) Environmental factors- wet floor, space constraints & ambient temperature.
6) Load- weight, the type / size of the bucket & water temperature.
7) Individual – should be considered in terms of age, gender, stature & physical
capability.

7. Outline the possible causes of a dumper truck overturn on a construction site.

1) Overloading or uneven loading of the bucket.
2) Cornering at excessive speed.
3) Hitting obstructions.
4) Driving to close to the edge of embankments or excavations.
5) Mechanical defects.
6) Inappropriate tire pressures and driving across slopes.

8. Identify the design features of a dumper truck intended to minimize the risk of / or
severity of injury from an overturn.
1) Use of seat belt.
2) Roll over protection.
3) Wide wheel base.
4) Trucks low centre of gravity.

9. Describe the possible effects of electricity on the body.

1) The cardio-respiratory effects, in particular the risk of fatal injury due to disruption to
heart rhythm.
2) Muscular contraction following contact with AC current resulting in an involuntary grip
on the live conductor, thus prolonging current flow through the body.
3) Tissue burns with the main sites of damage being the entry & exit points but with the
additional possibility of damage to internal organs.
10. Outline the emergency action to take if a person suffers a severe electric shock.
1) Isolation of the victim from the supply.
2) Summoning help.
3) Administering first aid such as cardiovascular resuscitation.
4) Treatment of burn & other injuries.
5) Remaining with the causality until medical help arrives.

11. In relation to machine safety, outline the principles of operation of,

1) Interlock guards: one that is linked to the machine controls by mechanical, electrical,
hydraulic or pneumatic means so that the machine will not operate until the guard is closed, and
when the machine is in a dangerous condition, the guard is either prevented from opening or, if
it is opened, the dangerous parts of the machine are made safe.
2) Trip Devices: Trip devices operate when a person approaches a danger area. (e.g. trip
bars or probes, pressure mats or photoelectric system (light curtains). Once the device is
triggered it trips the machine, which either stops or otherwise become safe).

12. Other than contact with dangerous parts, Identify FOUR types of danger against
which fixed guards on machine may provide protection.
1) Noise emission.
2) By containing hazardous substances such as oil mist or dust, by providing shielding
against heat or electricity.
3) Preventing ejection of material (e.g. particles or broken mechanical parts) from the
machine.

NEBOSH Question Bank Page 2 of 12

 13. A) Describe the function & limitations of a fuse as an electrical protection device.
1) AMP rating.
2) Equipment protection.
3) Basic operation of a fuse in an over current situation.

LIMITATIONS:
The ease of using an incorrectly sized fuse and the slow response time of fuses.

B) Explain one advantage, which a residual current device (RCD) has over a fuse.
The advantages of an RCD include the fact that an RCD’s rapid response time affords some
protection against shock (unlike a fuse), and that an RCD is simple and safe for non-electrical
personnel to test.

14. Outline the hazards & the precautions to be taken when changing batteries.
Hazards:-
i. Evolution of flammable gas.
ii. Contact with acid.
iii. Manual handling.

Precautions:-
i. PPE suitable for gas shall be used i.e. organic vapour mask or air line respirator).
ii. To avoid acid burn hand gloves shall be used while handling batteries.
iii. While manual handling, suitable body posture is required to work related upper limb
disorder. Also protection from electrical shock shall be taken.

15. Describe how earthing can reduce the risk of receiving an electric shock.
All metal work with which a person may come into contact should be connected to earth in order
to provide lower resistance, pathway than through the human body, and at the same time
producing a sufficient current increase to ‘blow’ a fuse or to ‘trip’ a circuit breaker.

16. Outline the effect on the human body of a severe electric shock.
1) The main effects of electric shock as being interference with heart rhythm and
breathing.
2) Severe burn.
3) Damage to the internal burn.
4) Secondary effects – Falls.
17.Emergency action to take if a person suffers a severe electric shock.
1) Raising the alarm.
2) Isolating the supply.
3) Administering the first aid as a appropriate.
4) Remaining with causality.

18. Outline practical measures to reduce the risk of electric shock when using
portable electrical appliances.
1) Correct selection of equipment.
2) Regular maintenance & testing.
3) Training.
4) Use of insulating PPE.
5) Earthing.
6) Reduced voltage system.
7) Correct use of protection devices (RCD’s, fuses etc.)

19. Describe the principles of operation of the following types of electrical protection:
i) Earthing:-
Resistance of the earth circuit being very low such that the current flows to earth by the path of
least resistance and that all metal work should be bonded to an earth connection.
ii) Reduced Voltage:-
Reduction of mains voltage by a transformer to a lower safer voltage typically 110 or 55 volts.
Diagram – centre trapped transformer.

NEBOSH Question Bank Page 3 of 12

20. Describe the functions & limitations of a fuse as an electrical protective device.
Fuse:- A ‘weak link’ in the live supply that melts when heated by excess current flowing under
fault conditions, thus protecting the equipment & its wiring.
Limitations:-
1) Its action being usually to slow to prevent electric shock.
2) ease of replacing it inappropriately with a fuse of higher rating or other object.
B) Identify TWO advantages that a residual current device (RCD) has over a fuse.
The advantages of an RCD over a fuse.
1) Rapid & sensitive electrical response.
2) The ease of safety of testing & resetting and / or the fact that it is not easily defeated.

21. In relation o electrical safety, explain the meaning of the following terms:
1) Isolation:-
Refers to shutting off the electrical supply to an item of equipment or part of an electrical system
by a safe means in order, for instance, to carry out maintenance work.
2) Earthing:-
Is a means whereby electrical equipment and conductive items are connected to earth by a
cable or pipe work such that the route to earth provides the path of least resistance to a current
flowing under fault condition.
3) Reduced Voltage Operation:-
Commonly used on construction sites, involves the reduction of mains voltage by a transformer
to a lower safer voltage typically 110 or 55 volts.
4) Over current protection:-
Is a method of preventing the flow of excess current by cutting the supply under fault conditions
by means of a fuse or circuit breaker.

22. Describe options for reducing the risk of electric shock when using a portable
electric drill on a construction site.
a) Correct selection and maintenance / testing through training.
b) Use of insulating PPE, to specific measure such as,
i) Earthing.
ii) Reduced voltage system.
iii)Correct use of protection devices (RCD’s, fuses etc).

23. Describe four types of machinery guarding & give an example of where each
might be used.
1) Fixed Guard:- Fixed guards on a conveyor.
2) Interlock Guard:- On a power press.
3) Automatic trip guard.
4) Adjustable Guard.

24. Outline four hazards & corresponding precautions to be taken when using
conveyor system for moving materials within a work place.
1) Traps, drawing in:- Precautions:- Nips guard & trip devices.
2) Entanglement:- Fixed guard, avoid loose clothing.
3) Impact against overhead systems:- bump caps, barriers etc.
4) Manual handling Hazards:- Appropriate height of conveyor, mechanical aids etc.
5) Noise:- various attenuation methods, hearing protection.
6) Contact hazards:- Belt edge protection, restriction access, elimination of sharp edges.

25. Identify four mechanical hazards presented by pedestal drills & outline in each
case how injury may occur.
1) Entanglement:- with belt or chuck.
2) Ejection:- Ejection of a broken bit or work piece.
3) Stabbing or puncture:- from unsecured revolving work piece.
4) Impact:- from unsecured revolving work piece.
5) Drawing in:- by itself.

Mechanical hazards
• Contact with up in moving parts
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Non-Mechanical hazards
• From power source or things being emitted by the machine

26.Two mechanical hazards associated with moving parts of machinery.

i) From moving parts of machinery.
ii) Impact, entanglement, shearing, ejection, cutting, abrasion.
27. Two non-mechanical hazards to which a machine operator may be exposed.
i) Noise.
ii) Vibration.
iii) Electricity.
iv) Hazardous substances.
v) Radiation.
vi) Extreme of temperature.
vii) Ergonomic issues.

28. List TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of a fixed machine guard.
ADVANTAGES:-
i) It is easy to inspect (simplicity) & maintain.
ii) no moving parts, leads to increase reliability.
DISADVANTAGES:-
i) Not being linked to a control means that access when required is afforded should it be
removed.
ii) it is fixed and requires a special tools to remove means that access when required is more
difficult, a physical barrier may also hamper inspection of the machine or work particularly if it is
solid.

29. A) Outline & give examples of two technique to reduce exposure to noise.
i) Isolation:- for structure borne noise.
ii) Absorption:- using acoustic screen or buffers.
iii) Damping:- of vibrating panels by increased rigidity/ mass.
iv) Silencing:- at source by using pneumatic mufflers.
B) Explain the term ‘daily personal noise exposure’ (Lep,d).
“Person exposed to the noise level while working daily i.e. for 8 hours.

MANUAL HANDLING
30. With reference to the manual handling operations regulations 1992 (TILE), Explain
the factors to be considered when assessing the risks associated with manual
handling.
1) Task.
2) Individual.
3) Load.
4) Environment.
31. Outline the main features of a safe lifting technique.
1) Assessment of load.
2) Ensure smooth balanced actions at each stage without twisting or stretching
movements.
3) Firm grip.
4) Load close to the body.
32. List the types of injury a safe lifting technique will help to avoid.
1) Slipped discs.
2) Hernias.
3) Torn ligaments.
4) Pulled muscles.
5) Crushed limbs.
33. the factors that should be considered in an assessment of manual handling
activities.
1) Task.
2) Individual.
3) Load.
4) Environment
NEBOSH Question Bank Page 5 of 12
34. List two types of injury that could be caused by incorrect manual handling of
loads.
i) Spinal disc compression.
ii) Torn Ligaments.
iii) Dislocation.
iv) Hernia.
v) Crushing injury.
35. Explain the meaning of term ‘ergonomic’.
“Making a job fit to the person”.
“Designing a task suit the individual in terms of physical / mental capabilities & the individuals
expectations”.

36.Outline the main factors to be considered in an ergonomic assessment of work

station to be used by an operator of a visual display unit (VDU).
1) Equipment Design:-
Height & position of keyboard & screen, seating posture, design of chair, screen definition &
colour, adjustability of equipment etc.
2) Environmental factors:-
Glare, temperature, humidity, work space, noise.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

37. A) Outline the factors to be considered when selecting respiratory protective

equipment for use at work.
1) Concentration & physical form of contaminants.
2) Extent of exposure.
3) Degree of protection in relation to nominal protection factor.
4) Approved type CE marking.
5) Ergonomic considerations & wear comfort.
6) Wears trials & compatibility.

B) Outline the factors to be considered in the selection of eyeprotection for use at

work.
1) Quality.
2) Ergonomic.
3) Compatibility.
4) Maintenance.
5) Training.
6) Initial assessment in determining the appropriate type of eye protection.

38. Outline the factor which should be considered when selecting PPE.
1) Suitability of task.
2) Type of hazard: Chemical, impact, hot molten nature.
3) Exposure type: Dust, mist or vapour.
4)
40.State the primary effect on the body of the following types of hazardous
substances.
1) Irritant:- Irritants cause inflammation on contact with the skin, eyes or mucous
membranes.
2) Corrosive:- substance cause the distraction of living tissue at the point of contact,
e.g. skin, respiratory tract or digestive tract.
3) Toxic:- substances have poisonous effect on body organs or systems, affecting
normal metabolic function.
4) Carcinogens:- substances have the ability to alter the genetic material in living cells
and to cause cancer.

41. Describe the difference between acute & chronic effects.

Acute:- Acute health effects appear after a single or short term exposure, usually with a rapid or
immediate response.

NEBOSH Question Bank Page 6 of 12

 Chronic:- Chronic effects are normally produced following prolong or repeated exposures to an
agent, appear gradually may go unrecognized for long periods of time & may be progressive
even without further exposure.

FIRE
42. A)State FOUR classes of fire.
1) Class A: Solid (e.g. wood)
2) Class B: Chemicals
3) Class C: Electrical (e.g. short circuit)
4) Class D: Metal (e.g. Na, P)
A) Explain the significance of the various forms of heat transfer in the spread of
fire.
1) Convection:-
2) Radiation:-
3) Direct burning:-

43.List TWO types of fire extinguisher which may be used on electrical fires.
1) Carbon Dioxide
2) Dry Chemical Powder.
B)

44. Outline the main requirements of a safe means of escape from a building.
1) Fire resistance.
2) Exit provision.
3) Marking.
4) Housekeeping.
5) assembly Point.
6) Fire drill procedure and / or training.

45. State the requirements of the fire precautions (workplace) Regualtion-1997

relating to emergency routes & exits.
1) Emergency routes and exits should be kept clear at all times.
2) Lead to a place of safety.
3) Adequately signed.
4) The number distribution & dimensions of emergency routes exit shall be adequate
having regard to the use.
5) Equipment & dimensions of the workplace & the maximum number of persons present
at any time.
6) Emergency doors shall open in the direction of the escape routes.
7) Emergency doors shall not be locked or fastened so that they can be easily &
immediately opened by a person in an emergency.
8) Routes requiring illumination shall be provided with emergency lighting of adequate
intensity.

46. A) Outline TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of using hose reels as a
means of extinguishing fires.
Advantages:-
A hose provides a continues supply of water and at a great force than extinguishers so users can
be at a greater distance from the fire and will not find themselves in a situation where the water
runs out after a few seconds.
Disadvantages:-
Relate to the efforts required to position the hose.
The possibility of the hose compromising fire & smoke barriers by passing through doorways.
The fact that water is not a suitable extinguishers medium for some types of fire.
The hose becoming tripping hazard and hindering evacuation.

47.Outline the main factors to consider when sitting hose reels in the workplace.
1) Accessibility.
2) Area to be covered.
3) Prevention of obstruction & facilitation of escape.
4) Adjacent to an exit.
5) Be recessed if possible to prevent obstruction of the escape route.
NEBOSH Question Bank Page 7 of 12
6) Sited where they are less prone to vandalism & misused.

48. A) Outline the main factors to be considered in the sitting of fire extinguishers.
1) Accessibility.
2) Visibility.
3) Proximity to exits & escape routes.
4) Travel distances.
5) Means of supporting the equipment off the ground and free from obstruction.
6) Need to protect extinguishers from the weather and other sources of damage.

RADIATION
49. A) Outline the possible effects on health arising from exposure to ionizing
radiation.
1) Cancer.
2) Genetic defect.
3) Sterility.
4) Radiation sickness.
B) Outline the main principles of control for ionizing radiation.
1) Shielding.
2) Segregation by time and distance.
3) PPE.
4) Monitoring.

50. A) Explain the term ionizing radiation.

“Ionizing radiation has high energy potential and it has the ability to penetrate, ionize and
damage the body tissue and organs.
51. Outline suitable measures for the control of ionizing radiaton.
1) Shielding.
2) Reduce time exposure.
3) Increased distance.
4) PPE.
5) Monitoring.
52. Control measures to reduce dust peoblem in the work place – Outline with
Example.
1) Elimination- e.g. by introducing preformed components or outsourcing the dusty
operation.
2) Substitution – e.g of powder by granules, liquids or paste.
3) Isolation- Of process in separate rooms.
4) Enclosure- in a glove box, for instance.
5) Ventilation- provision of local exhaust.
6) Suppression – by damping down and carrying out clean operation by vacuuming
rather than sweeping.

54.A person is employed to lay carpet tiles using a solvent based adhesive.
1) Identify the possible effects on health.
 Skin & eye irritation.
 Dermatitis.
 Headaches.
 Nausea.
 Dizziness.
 Narcosis.
 Consciousness.
2) Outline the control measures that should be considered.
 Ventilation.
 Possible substitution of the adhesive for less toxic or volatile one.
 Minimum amount of substance for the job.
 Use of respirator & other PPE (e.g. Overall, gloves).
 Good personal hygiene.
 Provision of information (IT IS).

NEBOSH Question Bank Page 8 of 12

 55. Outline the FOUR main categories of the guard and safeguarding devices that may
be used to minimize the risk of contact with dangerous part of machineries.
FIAT
1) Fixed Guard : Physical barrier held in place at all times, not linked to machine
operation and requiring a special tool for its removal.
2) Interlocked Guard:- Guard linked mechanically, electrically, hydraulically or
pneumatically to the machine operation and prevailing access when the machine is in a
dangerous condition, while also preventing operation of the machine when the guard is open.
3) Adjustable or self adjusting Guards:- Essentially a fixed guard that has elements
that can be adjusted (or which adjust themselves ) to allow for the material being processed.
(e.g. circular saw) or (drill chucks).
4) Trip Device: (e.g. pressure mat, probe or photoelectric system) stops movement of
the machine when approach is detected.

56. Explain using a suitable sketch, the significance of the fire triangle.

All three of which must be present for combustion to occur.

Source of
ignition
Oxygen

Fuel

57. List FOUR types of ignition sources that may cause a fire to occur, giving a typical
workplace example of each type.
1) Electricity:- arcing, overheating due to faulty wiring, poor connections or excess
current).
2) Chemical reduction: (Reaction involving heat).
3) Hot work/ spark: Reaction involving heat.
4) Naked flame or burning material:- discarded smoking materials.
5) Friction – caused by inadequate lubrication or machinery & hot surfaces, cooking or
heating appliances.

58. Conductors:
A material that allows electricity to flow easily:- e.g. cooper, steel, water
Insulators:
Materials that have a high resistance to electrical current: e.g. plastic, rubber, wood
Static Electricity
• The result of an imbalance of electrons between objects is called static electricity
• Caused by friction
Arcing
• Ability of electricity to “jump” across an air gap
• Usually involves high voltage
• Main hazards
− Electric shock
− Burns (direct, indirect)
− Damage to eyes from UV radiation emitted

59. Fire Extinguishment Theory

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 1) Cooling the fire by removing the heat
2) Starving the fire of fuel
3) Smothering the fire by limiting the oxygen supply

60. Fire Prevention

Control measures to reduce the risk of fire starting
Fire Protection
Structural measures to reduce the risk of fire Spreading
Fire Precautions
Measures taken to reduce the risk in the Event of fire

61. Practice drills should be undertaken to:

 Checking alarm can be heard throughout the premises
 Testing the effectiveness of the evacuation procedure
 Familiarising employees with the alarms etc.
 Giving fire wardens to practice their roles
 Satisfy a legal requirement e.g. fire certificate and to provide instruction to employees on
action to be taken

62. Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL’s)

The maximum concentration of an airborne substance averaged over a reference period, to
which employees may be exposed by inhalation.”
• Legal status in national law

63. Two types Radiation

• Ionising
– higher energy
– can change the structure of atoms
• Non-ionising
– lower energy
– heating effects
– does not change the structure of atoms
64. Stress
• An adverse reaction to excessive pressure
• Health effects:
– psychological
– physical
– behavioural
– serious ill-health if prolonged

65. Waste is:

“Something that is discarded or is going to be discarded”
General hierarchy of control
• Prevent
• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Recover energy
• Responsible disposal
66. Chemical
Irritant:
Inflammation on contact with skin, eyes or mucous membrane may cause inflammation e.g.
adhesives and detergents
Corrosive:
Destruction of living tissue at point of contact (skin) strong acids or alkalis i.e. H2SO4 (Sulphuric
Acid), Caustic, ammonia
Toxic:
Poisonous substances which in low quantities may cause death, acute chronic damage to health
e.g. Lead, Mercury, Arsenic
Carcinogenic:
NEBOSH Question Bank Page 10 of 12
Substances which cause disorders in cell growth that may lead to cancer or increase its
incidence e.g. Benzene

66.Acute
− High levels of exposure
− Short exposure time
− Quick effect
e.g. high concentration of chlorine gas
Chronic
− Lower levels of exposure
− Longer exposure time
− Long term effect
e.g. repeated exposure to solvents

67. TOXICOLOGY
Definition:
The study of how different materials will affect the human body
68. Respirable dust:
Airborne dust of such a size about 0.5 microns that it is able to enter the lungs during normal
breathing
Respiratory diseases:
• Asbestosis (chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the tissue of the
lungs)
• Silicosis (occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust)
• Asthma chronic …the airways occasionally constrict
• Bronchitis (an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs)
• Lung Cancer
• Farmer’s lung (a disease of dairy farmers who handle contaminated hay)
69. Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL’s)
The maximum concentration of an airborne substance averaged over a reference period, to
which employees may be exposed by inhalation.”
Workplace Exposure Limits Time period Combat ill-health effects of:
(WEL’s)

Short term exposure limits 15 minutes • Acute effects

(STEL) • Very high exposure for a short time

Long term exposure limits (LTEL) 8 hours • Chronic effects

• Lower exposure over longer period

70. Asbestos
Naturally occurring mineral fibres used for fire-resistant building and lagging materials
71. Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful
to human health or the environment.
examples of hazardous waste
Paints, batteries, solvents, cleaning agents and pesticides.
Non-hazardous waste
is a waste with properties that make it not potentially dangerous or harmful to. human health or
the environment.
Household waste, paper, wood, biodegradable materials

72. Stress is:

• An adverse reaction to excessive pressure
• Health effects:
– psychological
– physical
– behavioural
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 – serious ill-health if prolonged
73. Types of Ionising Radiation

• Alpha particles
• Beta particles
• X-Rays
• Gamma rays
• Neutrons

74. Non-Ionising Radiation

Types Sources Health Effects

Ultra-violet (UV) Sunlight Skin burns

Arc welding Arc eye (photokeratitis)
Skin cancer
Visible light lasers Temporary blindness

Infra-red (IR) Red hot steel Redness and skin burns, retinal burns, cataracts
Glass manufacture
Microwaves Food preparation Internal heating
Telecommunications Organ damage
Radiowaves Radio, TV Internal heating
radar Organ damage

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